Tools for Better and Easier Flossing

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By Birnur Aral, Ph.D.

Aug 14, 2011

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Be honest now! Do you really floss everyday as you know you should? Although I'm aware of the benefits of flossing, I find it too time-consuming to fit into my daily grooming routine. Two new products are making it a little easier to follow dentist's orders. We've been using them in my household and here's what we think.

The Waterpik waterflosser ULTRA has been around for a few years but now comes in a miniature size for kids. My 14-year-old daughter, who's been sporting braces for the last twelve months, is very fond of the ULTRA and it helps her gets raves from her orthodontist about her oral hygiene — no easy feat when you wear braces. As the ULTRA comes with 6 tips, my 8-year old daughter (no braces yet but can't wait to get them) has been sharing the ULTRA with her sister, using a lower pressure setting.

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Phillips Sonicare, known for its ultrasonic toothbrushes, many of which are Good Housekeeping Seal holders, just launched the Air Floss. This product uses very fine water droplets dispersed in pressurized air to clean in between your teeth and does your whole mouth in just 60 seconds with only a tablespoon full of water. When I first used it, I didn't feel much of a sensation in between my teeth or in my mouth. The only cue that it was actually working was the swoosh sound that it made with each depression of the button. But, once I finished, my gums had a slightly massaged feeling that let me know they'd been cleaned. Well, since the Air Floss is so easy to use, I'm going to be vigilant and use it everyday until my next dentist appointment. I can't wait to see if she thinks it makes a difference in my teeth and gums.